protocol for the pentagastrin test
Last reviewed 01/2018
The pentagastrin test is correctly performed in the following manner:
- the patient is fasted overnight
- a nasogastric tube is inserted under fluoroscopy so that the tip lies in the antrum of the stomach
- basal acid secretion is determined by continuous aspiration of the gastric fluid for one hour
- pentagastrin is administered (6 mcg/kg i.m.)
- stimulated acid secretion is determined by continuous aspiration of the gastric fluid for one hour
- basal and stimulated samples are analysed separately
- the pH of each is measured
- each aspirate is titrated against sodium hydroxide to determine the acid production